How to install RAM on an Asus laptop. Increase the size of RAM on a laptop. How to increase RAM on a laptop: Tips. Process of increasing memory

My laptop has 4GB of RAM, but this volume is not enough for me. How can I increase its volume??

Alexander Morkhin

To make your laptop work better, you need to know how to properly increase your laptop's RAM. “Correct” in this case means that the stick of RAM you purchased will be compatible with the motherboard, processor and already installed RAM module.

How to choose the right new bar

Before you go shopping for an additional stick, see if you can increase the RAM on your laptop. If you have an old laptop, then its motherboard may simply not support more RAM. Let's find out the model of the motherboard and look at its specifications on the manufacturer's website:

Download the CPU-Z utility (you will also need it to determine the number of free slots).
Launch the program and go to the "Mainboard" tab.
Check your motherboard model.
Find information about your motherboard on the laptop manufacturer's website.

In the motherboard specification, you need to pay attention to the points related to RAM.

From the information provided you should get the following information:

Supported type: DDR3. If the laptop is old, then it may have DDR2 or DDR1 memory. They are interchangeable, so you need to buy only those brackets whose type is compatible with the motherboard.
The maximum allowed volume is 64 GB. There is no point in installing any more; additional gigabytes will not be used.
Supported frequency is from 800 to 1800 MHz. The RAM frequency should fit within this range and be as high as possible.
4 x DIMM - number of slots for strips with SO-DIMM form factor.

What characteristics should the new bar have?

For maximum compatibility, it is better to immediately purchase sets of two identical modules. If you install one additional strip, then it must completely match the characteristics of the already installed module.

Launch CPU-Z.
Go to the "Memory" tab.

Let's check the type again - DDR3. Pay attention to the line “DRAM Frequency” - it indicates the bandwidth.

Timing (delay before executing a request) is shown below:

You need to buy a stick of RAM with exactly the same characteristics. If nothing is displayed when you select a slot on the “SPD” tab, then nothing is connected to it, that is, you can install an additional RAM module in it. Basically, that's all you need to know about how to increase your RAM. However, there is another way to speed up a video card - overclocking.

Increasing the video card frequency

If you calculate how much it costs to increase RAM, it becomes clear that this is a serious financial investment in upgrading a laptop. However, if you look at it, you don’t have to buy an additional stick of RAM.

Increasing the frequency (overclocking, overclocking) is performed in the “Advanced” section. Depending on the motherboard model and BIOS firmware version, the names of specific items change. Let's see how to increase the amount of RAM in the BIOS, using the example of an ASUS motherboard:

After expanding the item where the RAM frequency is indicated, you will see the available values.

Do not set a value that exceeds the maximum allowable value for your RAM model, otherwise the bar may burn out.

After increasing the frequency, run a memory test. Press Win+R and type the command “mdsched”. Agree to perform a reboot, during which the RAM will be checked for errors. If no errors are found, you can increase the frequency a little more without exceeding the maximum permissible values.

There are among us active users of computers and laptops who simultaneously run several programs and applications and work with all of them at once, for example, due to their profession or specialty. Such people certainly need to replace the RAM in their laptop. The appropriateness of such an action for other people can be debated. After all, the speed of a laptop depends not only on the amount of RAM, but also on the type and frequency of the processor, the installed operating system, video card, etc. Increasing the amount of RAM for ordinary users is advisable up to 2GB. For those who often need to work with graphics, CAD systems and video, you can increase the amount of RAM to 3 GB, or even 4 GB. In addition, it is worth considering the following: 32-bit systems can only really use 3GB of memory; to use 4GB, you need to install a 64-bit system.

To understand why RAM is needed at all, you need to understand the concepts

Random Access Memory- part of a computer memory system in which data and instructions are temporarily stored. During operation, programs need quick access to this data and commands.

Random Access Memory, RAM- a technical device that implements the functions of RAM.

Laptops use dynamic RAM - rimm modules, which come in different types (DDR2 SDRAM or DDR3 SDRAM). And, if you are wondering how to increase RAM on a laptop, then this is the module you need to replace.

Now let’s look at what needs to be done before directly replacing the module.

Turn the laptop over and open the protective cover of the memory slot using a screwdriver. Look at how many memory slots there are. Screw the lid back on. Information about the number of slots is needed to determine what exactly you need. If there is only one slot, then you just need to replace the old module with a new one with more memory. If there are two of them, then you can simply add one of the same. See below for more details;
Find out the type of module in the specification for the laptop or on the RAM module case;
Find out the maximum frequency supported by the motherboard.

In addition, the module type and the maximum frequency supported by the motherboard can be found using the software. It is recommended to use the program for these purposes. The program is designed to display information about the processor, RAM, and motherboard. Link to download the programhttp://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html. When you click on the link, a window will appear:

Select the desired version (marked with red arrows in the figure). In the window that appears, select Download now. Specify the location where you want to save the file and start downloading.

Once the download is complete, run the cpu-z_1.61-setup-en.exe file from your laptop. The following window will appear:

Select “Next”

Check the box next to “I accept the agreement”, which means that you agree to the user agreement. Select “Next”

Select the disk on which the program will be installed. Select “Next”

Uncheck the boxes and select “Next”

The checkbox next to “create a desktop ikon” indicates the creation of a program shortcut on the desktop. Select “Next”

Select install.

Uncheck the box. Select Finish.

The program is installed. Launch the shortcut on the desktop.

We are interested in the tab Memory(memory).

Let's figure out what the program shows.

Type – type of installed RAM module.
Size – amount of installed memory.
Dram Freguency – memory bus frequency.

To determine the number of RAM slots, we will use the SPD tab.

Select all slots one by one in the drop-down list of the MemorySlotSelection section. By the number of lines we determine the number of slots. There are 4 of them here.

If the slot is free, the following image appears:

Now let's determine the memory frequency with which the motherboard can operate.

To do this, on the Mainbord tab, in the Manufacturer and Model fields, look at the manufacturer and model of the motherboard. In the search engine we find the characteristics, including the supporting frequency.

Having typed the necessary information, you can safely go to the store to buy modules. Now all that remains is to make sure that the module frequency does not exceed the maximum frequency supported by the motherboard. And if you take a second module, so that its frequency matches the frequency of the old module. And don't touch the gold-colored connectors. This may damage the module.

Replacing RAM in a laptop

Now let's move directly to the process itself. Replacing RAM in a laptop. Step-by-step instruction.

Unplug the charger from the laptop and turn off the power button. Remove the battery from the battery compartment. Press the power button again to discharge any residual electricity.
Remove the protective cover of the memory slot by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver. To remove static electricity from your body and clothing, touch any unpainted metal surface of the laptop.

Alternately, press the clamps from each edge of the RAM module and remove the old memory card. You can skip this point if, for example, you need 2 GB of memory, and your old module is 1 GB. Just insert a new 1GB module into another slot. The total memory capacity will be 2GB. This is done to activate dual-channel mode. In this case, it is recommended to install memory modules of the same size and from the same manufacturer. Dual-channel mode allows you to increase the operating speed by approximately two times.
Firmly install the new module into the memory slot connector. You should hear a distinctive click as the clamps close.

Attach the protective cover in place using a screwdriver.

The above step-by-step instructions are suitable for most laptops. But, if you are faced with a non-standard situation, it is better to contact a specialist.

Attention!!!

Do not change the RAM if the laptop's warranty has not yet expired. Otherwise the warranty will be void.

Problems that may arise after replacing RAM

Replacing RAM does not always go smoothly. It may also happen that after installing a new RAM module, the laptop does not turn on, or even makes strange sounds. The reason for this may be unreliable fixation of the module in the slot. Disconnect and try again.

Another option: when starting the operating system, an error or message appears indicating that the configuration settings need to be updated. You can correct the error by going to the installation menu and selecting “Save” and “Exit”. In other words, a reboot of the operating system is required for it to work correctly.

Now laptop users are offered various memory optimization programs (Memory Management SuperProMegaEdition, FreeMemory), which supposedly free up memory, thereby optimizing the process of working on a laptop. The program shows the amount of free space in RAM. This is often accompanied by a stern warning that the laptop may slow down. But it is reliably known that for correct operation any program needs exactly as much memory space as it asks for. And, if we try to give her less space, she will start to slow down.

Let's figure out how such programs - optimizers - work. The EmptyWorkingSet function is called, which causes other programs to dump themselves into the page file. As a result of these actions, many programs are thrown onto the hard drive into the swap file. As a result, programs slow down, but in the optimization program window you can clearly see that there is a lot of free memory space. They wanted to increase the speed of programs, but they themselves reduced it. Where they left is where they came.

All of the above leads to logical conclusions:

freeing up RAM by optimizer programs does not lead to an increase in performance, but rather reduces it. Since the speed of the program in this case does not depend on how much space it occupies in RAM;
RAM can be optimized only by replacing (adding) a memory module.

Let's sum it up

So we have become a little wiser. We found out what “random access memory” and “random access storage device” are. We learned what information you need to collect before going to the store to buy a memory module. We made sure that the process of replacing RAM is easy and simple. The myth about optimizing memory using programs has been debunked.

Don't fall for myths and unverified information. There is nothing easier than buying a RAM module and replacing (adding) it in accordance with the step-by-step instructions. Moreover, the process of replacing RAM is the easiest and cheapest way to increase laptop performance. May your laptop have high performance and speed, for your own good.

When do you need to add RAM to your laptop?

When purchasing a laptop, we most often focus on processor power and hard drive capacity, without paying due attention to the amount of RAM. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this, because the RAM can be replaced or upgraded, but it is unlikely to do the same operation with the processor. Typically, it is the lack of RAM that more often causes problems with the operation of a laptop than insufficient CPU power. Even if unpleasant surprises have not occurred before, they will inevitably arise when installing a new version of a resource-intensive application or updating the operating system version.

Symptoms that indicate that you need to increase the amount of RAM are varied. The most typical one is “everything slows down”, “it takes two hours to load”. Less often, the system itself reports the need to increase the size of the paging file, or the application suggests unloading other software to free up resources. To make sure that the laptop is really low on RAM, just run several typical applications and open the “Performance” tab in the Windows “Task Manager”: in the “Physical Memory” section you can see how much space is available and how much is occupied, and the paging file fullness meter will indicate how much The RAM limit has been exceeded (if, of course, all physical memory is occupied). More detailed information can be obtained using special utilities, such as FreeMeter, which dynamically displays memory capacity with data.

When increasing the amount of RAM is effective and when it is not

The fact that modern operating systems and applications are very demanding on the amount of RAM does not mean that they are indifferent to the computing capabilities of the processor. In some cases, increasing memory “all the way” does not save the situation - this is easy to verify by looking at the use of CPU resources using any monitor or the same Windows “Application Manager”. If the memory is not fully loaded, and the processor is over 80%, you need to look for another solution to the problem. Programs that are equally demanding on both the processor’s capabilities and the amount of RAM (for example, Adobe Photoshop) force a compromise choice between these parameters. At the same time, office applications (Microsoft Office components, web browsers, Internet communicators) are much more critical of available memory, especially if they are running simultaneously. If you add a media player, an antivirus and an email client to them, the RAM resources will be exhausted quite quickly, and the processor will remain idle. In turn, frequent switching between numerous programs when there is not enough RAM will lead to constant swapping to the hard drive and cause slowdowns in work.

In general, if you run many different programs on your laptop at the same time or prefer to open several dozen browser tabs, it makes sense to increase the amount of RAM.

But we must remember that there is a limit to the platform used: 32-bit versions of the OS (Windows XP, Vista, 7) can work with a maximum of 3 GB of RAM, so even installing 4 GB or higher (if the motherboard allows) will not be beneficial.

How to determine the RAM configuration without opening the device

In order to begin upgrading the memory, you need to know exactly the volume of memory sticks installed on it, their number and type. First of all, of course, volume is important. It can be easily determined by running the dxdiag system utility, which will show the total amount of RAM available to the system.

The full memory resource can be obtained from the start screen (POST), displayed when the system starts, or by using the CPU-Z utility. The Memory tab displays not only the total amount of RAM, but also the number of channels (Dual/Single), which allows you to guess the number of installed sticks (two or one), as well as find out its (memory) type - DDR2 or DDR3. In addition, the memory operating frequency is displayed there. However, it is possible that your laptop can support higher frequencies.

The most accurate parameters (without opening the case) can be obtained from the laptop’s passport or using data from the manufacturer’s website: as a rule, they indicate the number of available slots, the type, and the recommended frequency. And most importantly, these parameters are also important so that you know whether an upgrade is possible at all.

How to determine how much memory you need

As a rule, laptops are equipped with two slots for RAM (less often three or four), which imposes restrictions on its possible configuration.

Considering that memory prices are constantly falling, there is no problem in doubling it. If, according to the passport, your laptop supports dual-channel architecture, then to achieve maximum performance you need to take an even number of sticks, preferably from the same manufacturer and definitely of the same type. It is best if they are supplied as a set and not individually - the sets use almost identical modules.

As I said, the amount of memory is limited by the capabilities of the OS, but even if the laptop has an edition that does not have access to an address space of more than 3 GB, you can safely install two 2 GB sticks.

And finally, the memory type. Most likely it will be DDR3. When choosing, you need to keep in mind that in laptops, unlike desktop PCs, the memory form factor is SODIMM, so you need to look for it in specialized sections of online store catalogs (for example, “memory for laptops”).

The memory frequency can be indicated either directly as a “type-frequency” (DDR3-1600) or as a “name-data transfer rate” (PC3-12800). This double marking should not be alarmed: usually both parameters are indicated in stores, but you can independently determine the correspondence using numerous tables on the Internet.

How to increase the amount of RAM if all slots are occupied

Of course, the simplest option for upgrading memory is, in the case of one module, to supplement it with an identical one by installing it in a free slot. If they are all occupied, and the amount of RAM is insufficient (for example, two 1 GB sticks, and you only need four), you will have to replace the existing modules with similar ones of a larger capacity. For example, replace 2x1 GB with 2x2 GB or 2x4 GB (for a 64-bit OS). As a rule, 8 GB is quite enough for any application (if such a volume is supported by the operating system), although modules up to 8 GB per stick are now available in stores.

What is required for the upgrade

In addition to memory modules, all you need is a screwdriver and a little patience. If the laptop is under warranty, it is better to contact a service center so as not to lose it. There is an opinion that it makes sense to contact the service center in any case: they say, specialists will carry out an upgrade, not only replacing the memory with a more capacious one, but also compensating for the cost of the new sticks by removing the old ones. Alas, this is rare: at current prices for memory modules, removed memory sticks will most likely be returned to the owner without any compensation. So the only compelling reason for contacting a service center is the presence of a warranty or your personal reluctance to do this work for fear of damaging the laptop. And the removed strips will be useful as spare ones - in case of an emergency. Otherwise, replacing memory is a simple operation. The cover that blocks access to the memory compartment is located on the bottom panel of the laptop and is usually secured with one, rarely two, screws, in addition to them there may be a latch.

But before you start replacing, you need to turn off the power to the motherboard. Simply turning off the laptop (including from the outlet) is not enough: be sure to remove the battery (this operation is described in detail in the user manual).

After turning off the power sources, you need to unscrew the fastening screws on the memory compartment cover (on some laptops they are marked “Memory” or “RAM”) and remove it.

The newly opened access to the memory slots will allow you to remove the installed modules (by moving the two latches to the sides) and install new ones in the reverse order, paying attention to the key slot in the strip and the corresponding protrusion on the plastic part of the connector.

Considering that the planks are mounted at an angle, there is only one sequence of their installation - from bottom to top. After replacing the memory elements, assembly is performed in the reverse order: install the compartment cover, tighten the mounting screws and return the battery to its place. After these steps, turn on the laptop and make sure that the amount of memory is determined correctly. If you are not sure that you have assembled everything correctly, do not rush to install the cover, this will give you the opportunity to correct the error. The main thing is to remember to disconnect the battery before any operations with the equipment.

Upgrading memory is one of the simplest operations (besides replacing the battery), allowing you to instantly evaluate the performance gains. Indeed, after increasing the amount of memory, application loading speeds up, switching time between them decreases, and work comfort increases.

But still, despite the relative simplicity of the upgrade, it is necessary to have an accurate understanding of the actions being performed: before starting work, study the attached documentation for the laptop, as well as information on the manufacturer’s website, forums and other thematic Internet resources. If you are not confident in your abilities, do not take unnecessary risks - invite a specialist or a more experienced user to carry out the replacement under his guidance. And best of all, entrust this operation to a service center.

Observer, analyst, systems engineer. Full member of the Intel Experts Club, certified specialist (Munich) in network and server technologies since 1993. He has been involved in computers and related solutions since 1985, has participated in numerous exhibitions, and has won awards for original circuit design and software developments. He received his first diploma in 1984 from the Patent Bureau of the Young Technician magazine. He is interested in hunting, fishing, and water-motor sports. “Tired of the bustle of civilization, I prefer a solitary life away from it. I devote all my free time to my family and children.”

Instructions

Find out from the owner's manual where exactly the RAM modules are located on the machine. They can be either under or under the lid located at the bottom. Some machines have some modules located under the keyboard, and the other under the cover.

To remove the keyboard, close the computer (after making sure that there are no objects between the keyboard and the screen that could crush the latter!), and then remove the hinge covers. Then open it, remove the bezel located above the indicators, and carefully lift the keyboard by the top. Do not disconnect the cable located below. Do not move the computer with the keyboard elevated to avoid tearing off the cable. Do not close while this unit is disassembled.

Remove the cover located on the reverse side by removing one or two screws with a regular screwdriver. Do this only with the keyboard assembly assembled and closed. If you need to change the RAM modules both under the cover and under the keyboard, first reassemble after the previous procedure.

To remove the memory module, lightly pull in different directions on the metal latches located on each side of it. One of its sides will lift up and you can easily remove it. Memorize or sketch how it was installed.

Take the module with you to the store or market to buy a second one (if there are free slots), or exchange it with an additional payment for another one with a larger volume.

To install the module, insert it with its contacts into the recess of the slot, taking into account the location of the key, and then press it from the opposite side until it clicks.

Reassemble the laptop in reverse order, connect the peripherals and power supply. Check its functionality. Using the Memtest86+ program, make sure that the amount of memory has actually increased and that the new module does not contain bad cells.

Video on the topic

Sources:

how to install memory on a laptop

Operational modules memory directly affect computer performance. The central processor receives all the information necessary for work directly from the operating system. memory.

You will need

Speccy program.

Instructions

To connect new modules memory Certain conditions must be met. First, select the boards yourself. To do this, determine their type by studying the instructions for the motherboard. To do this, use the paper version or visit the website of the manufacturer of this device. Find out the type of RAM cards your motherboard works with. If you could not find the information you need, then install the Speccy program by downloading it from the website www.piriform.com.

Run this utility and go to the "RAM" menu. Find out the type of boards used. These can be DIMM or DDR modules (1,2 or 3). Be sure to check the volume memory installed boards and their clock speed. Check the number of free slots for installing modules memory. You can also get all this information when working with the Speccy program.

The need to know how to increase RAM on a laptop appears in cases where the RAM already installed on the device is not enough to run the necessary games or programs.

This situation happens much more often with laptop PCs than with desktop PCs. If only because most of the characteristics of desktop and laptop models with the same price differ noticeably not in favor of the latter. This is explained by the desire of manufacturers of portable computers to place everything as compactly as possible - and this is usually enough for the average user, who primarily requires mobility from the device, rather than high performance.

It’s easy to avoid this problem - you just need to buy a laptop whose memory won’t have to be increased for another 3-4 years. For example, such as gaming models from the MSI brand with 16–32 GB of memory. True, their price will be no less than 100–150 thousand rubles, which is unlikely to suit the average user who would prefer to increase the RAM of an existing computer.

The first sign that it’s time to change the memory are messages about a lack of RAM or games and useful programs that won’t start at all. This is especially noticeable if the laptop model is not that old, but applications are still needed, for example, for work.

Files that do not open do not necessarily indicate that the entire device will have to be replaced. There is a possibility that the problem can be solved by simply adding 1-2 sticks of RAM. Moreover, some devices do not have enough memory - for example, for a quad-core processor, the manufacturer can install only 4 GB, while the board supports both 8 and 16 GB.

Advice: When increasing memory, it is worth changing from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit. After this, the RAM will be fully used. If this is not done, the system will only use 3 GB of memory.

If this is not done, the system will only use 3 GB of memory. The same applies to a 32-bit processor, but since they have not been produced for several years, the presence of such a component requires replacing not the memory, but the entire computer.

Memory selection

Before purchasing memory and increasing it, you should check whether this can be done, as well as the type of RAM and the required number of sticks. Any computer, desktop or laptop, can have as many modules as it has slots specially designed for this.

You can determine this amount visually by disassembling the laptop and looking at what memory is already installed there, and how much can be installed. However, the issue can be solved in a simpler way - for example, by downloading the free CPU-Z program, which will work in Windows 7 and in later versions of the operating system. The most convenient way is to find and download the application completely free of charge on the official website of its manufacturer, the CPUID company.

After starting the program, a window with several tabs will open. One of them, SPD, will help determine which slots of your laptop are occupied, what type and amount of memory is already installed. The default slot number 1 displays information about device parameters. For the example given, this is a 4 GB DDR3 RAM stick. If two of the same boards are installed (for optimal operation a paired arrangement is required, i.e. 2 or 4 identical ones), and there are no other slots at all, a complete replacement will be necessary to increase the volume. For example, removing both 4 GB sticks and putting two 8 GB sticks in them. If only one slot is occupied, you can install the same memory in the second. Four connection spots are very rare on laptops.

There are other programs that can help you decide on the choice of memory. Some of them will show not only the parameters of the installed RAM and other components, but also the maximum storage capacity. And special software can even provide information about possible options for installing the slats. There are services that even contain links to pages with components, where you can find out the approximate cost of memory and evaluate your ability to increase it.

Memory acquisition

When purchasing a new RAM module, you should make sure whether it is possible to increase its frequency. Some laptop motherboards allow you to install DDR3 memory, for example, with data transfer rates from 1333 to 1866 million operations per second. Others support a higher frequency - up to 2400 MHz. You can find out which memory is suitable for your device by reading the information about the motherboard found online. It is very important to resolve this issue in advance, since a module designed to operate on a different bus or a larger volume than supported by the laptop will not work.

If a module is not changed, but added, its frequency and volume must match the parameters of the already installed one. Although the device will be able to work with different strips, it will most likely be much slower - and there will not be much benefit from such a replacement. So, for example, you are unlikely to notice an increase in performance when adding another 1-2 GB module to a 4 GB module installed in one slot, although you will spend some money and time on this.

The cost of memory for laptops is currently practically no different from computer memory. However, it has a special slot size, half the size compared to the connectors in a PC. For laptop computers, a smaller version, SO-DIMM, is required, which should be taken into account when ordering RAM in an online store or at a regular retail outlet.

Advice: If there are no RAM chips for your laptop on sale anymore (for example, it supports the still outdated DDR2 type), you still need to decide whether it’s worth increasing the memory, or whether it’s better to buy a new gadget.

Memory installation

When the memory has already been selected and purchased, they proceed to installing it on the laptop. On some models like Asus, this will require removing the entire back cover and removing other elements that interfere with replacing or adding RAM. Most often this applies to compact devices – mini-laptops and netbooks.

Most newer devices allow you to replace and add a bar in no more than 2-3 minutes. To do this you just need to:

Disconnect the device from the network;
Take out the battery;
Open the cover of the memory module compartment;
Remove old microcircuits (if they are being replaced), taking into account that they can be held on by latches;
Install new memory until the latch snaps into place;
Replace the battery;
Close the lid.

You can make sure that everything is done correctly after turning on Windows and checking the amount of installed RAM in the computer properties.

When upgrading memory, you should make sure that your actions do not violate the warranty for the new device. In addition, if there is no back cover for quick access to the RAM, you should read the instruction manual for this model. In some Lenovo models, you will even have to remove the hard drive for installation. Older laptops may require even more complex steps to access free slots. For example, sometimes one or two strips are installed in different places.

Increasing memory using a flash drive

There is also a simpler and cheaper option to increase the RAM of a laptop - without even opening its case or buying new modules. All that is required from the user is a free flash drive with a capacity of 4–16 GB and Windows 7 or a newer version installed. In principle, the same method is suitable for a stationary PC, the memory of which is not enough for any actions or the operating speed is simply too low for the user’s purposes.

Reasons for choosing this method

The main reasons to choose a way to increase laptop RAM using a flash drive can be:

reluctance to spend money on improving the equipment when replacing the device with a new one in the near future;
lack of physical ability to install or replace the bracket (outdated module type, faulty slot, etc.);
the need to increase memory at this very moment.

Operating principle

In the Windows 7 operating system, it is possible to increase RAM using an additional paging file created on the drive. The utility that allows you to do this is called ReadyBoost. And you can call it by simply opening the properties of the flash drive and selecting the tab with the appropriate name.

Using this system feature allows you to increase physical memory by the following amount:

up to 256 GB for 64-bit Windows 7;
up to 32 GB for Windows 7 32-bit;
up to 4 GB on other OSes, including XP, if you download the utility additionally (it is not built into the OS).

The effectiveness of the method is quite decent - when reading small files, the speed increases by about 5–10 times. However, when working with large areas of data, the difference will be almost imperceptible.

Process of increasing memory

To increase memory you will need:

Take any free flash drive with an interface of at least USB 2.0. However, the best choice would be to use USB 3.0, whose data transfer speed (up to 5 Gbit/s) is comparable to the parameters of DDR3 memory modules;
Insert the device into the USB port;
Format the flash drive (not necessary, but recommended) in NTFS format, which will increase the amount of possible memory from the maximum 4 GB for FAT32 to a much larger size. To do this, right-click on the disk name and select “
If there is any data on the media, you should uncheck the “Clear table of contents” checkbox. This will increase the formatting time, but will ensure that the data that is now used as RAM is completely deleted.

After a few minutes, a message indicating that formatting is complete will appear on the screen. And after selecting the ReadyBoost tab in the properties of the flash drive, you can configure the required amount of memory increase.

So, for example, if the storage capacity is 16 GB, the laptop can use more than 15 of them. In this case, the flash drive cannot be used to store data, and when viewing its properties, the following information will appear:

It is entirely acceptable to use less flash drive memory. In this case, it can be used for other purposes. However, before removing the device from the USB port, you should cancel ReadyBoost by opening the disk properties and the utility tab again, but selecting “Do not use this device.”

Such actions will not always speed up the operation of your games and “heavy” applications. But at least this method is guaranteed to increase the speed of opening photos and videos. According to users who have tried this technique, the browser also works faster after using it.

Results

Having learned how to properly increase the size of RAM on a laptop PC, you can, even if you have a not very powerful device, increase the speed of working with it and even launch those programs that were previously unavailable for use - new games, the latest versions of video editors. However, when increasing memory, it is worth considering that for the operation of many gaming applications, the main role is played not only by the RAM, but also by the graphics memory of the video card, which, remaining at the same level, will reduce the effectiveness of increasing the amount of RAM. Therefore, in order not to be disappointed in the results of the work done, you should familiarize yourself with the program requirements in advance and either not only add memory modules, but also install a new video adapter, or immediately make plans to purchase a modern laptop.